Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai appears before a Federal High Court in Kaduna as his alleged corruption trial continues. Multiple reports say he arrives at court under tight security, escorted by officials of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.

The charges against El-Rufai, brought by the ICPC, include allegations of abuse of office, fraud, and financial misconduct. Prosecutors allege that public funds were released for projects that were either not executed or were poorly managed. El-Rufai denies the allegations and maintains that he is innocent.

At the Monday sitting, the proceedings are also affected by the absence of co-defendants. One outlet reports that the trial is stalled after two co-defendants fail to appear before the court, which delays the continuation of hearings. Another report indicates that further motions and arguments are expected from both the prosecution and defense as the case resumes.